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Blog

Lynne Houlston, National Park Authority Ranger for the MOD Castlemartin Range explains how you can help protect our cliff-nesting birds as you enjoy the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Spring has sprung – supposedly, and the birds are starting to prepare for nesting. Guillemots, razorbills, chough, peregrine, fulmars and gulls will be flocking to the cliffs of Pembrokeshire squawking, squabbling, feeding and nesting.

Chough on on the Pembrokeshire Coast.

The Pembrokeshire Coast’s cliffs are vital for these birds but they are also important for recreation; climbers too will be heading cliff-wards this spring.

To prevent the birds from being disturbed during this significant time, climbing restrictions are put in place every year. Most of these, especially in the south of the county, are marked by red concrete pots or notices.

Leaflets and posters showing the location of the restrictions and listing the climbs restricted are available at the St Govan’s, Stack Rocks, Stackpole Quay and Broad Haven South car parks. Or for full details please visit the BMC (British Mountaineering Council) website.

Most restricted areas are marked by red concrete pots or notices.

Some birds, such as oystercatchers, nest low down in our bays and coves. It is important that kayakers are aware of these birds and do not cause any disturbance. Please check the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum website for further details of kayaking around our coastline.

If you can hear birds squawking loudly and flying above your head – you need to move!